The values of a and b that you give can be represented using "fractional integer format". Assuming the values of a and b can be signed values, you can use a 4-bit integer in Q1.2 format. This format can represent the following values;
Binary Q1.2 Value
------ ----------
01.11 1.75
01.10 1.50
01.01 1.25
01.00 1.00
00.11 0.75
00.10 0.50
00.01 0.25
00.00 0.00
11.11 -0.25
11.10 -0.50
11.01 -0.75
11.00 -1.00
10.11 -1.25
10.10 -1.50
10.01 -1.75
10.00 -2.00
You can use these numbers, along with the knowledge that a multiplication of two Q1.2 numbers yields a Q3.4 value (eg., -2.00 x -2.00 = +4.00 = 0100.0000b) and addition results in a Q3.2 number, to determine the bit-growth in your equation. The resulting value of x can either be used directly, or convergent rounded to whatever bit-width you need for your design.
If none of this makes any sense, read these notes ...
http://www.ovro.caltech.edu/~dwh/correlator/pdf/esc-104paper_hawkins.pdf Cheers,
Dave